You are driving in the middle lane of a busy motorway at the national speed limit. Several vehicles ahead, you notice brake lights coming on in quick succession. What should you do FIRST to deal with this situation safely?

Explanation

On motorways, traffic usually travels faster than on other roads, so you have less time to react. The Highway Code Rule 254 states that it is especially important to use your mirrors earlier and look much further ahead. When you see brake lights several vehicles ahead, you should first check your mirrors early to assess what is happening behind, then ease off the accelerator to increase your following distance and slow gradually. This helps you respond smoothly to developing hazards and reduces the need for harsh braking. Options B and D involve reacting too late or too harshly, and option C changes lane unnecessarily before you have properly assessed the situation using your mirrors and forward observation.